Is your office holiday party boring? Hopefully not. But, if your party is starting to feel like a rerun with the same format year after year, the employees might be feeling less than thrilled about attending the party. If you are in charge of the party planning, below are a few ideas that can inject a little FUN into the party.- Photo Booths with a twist
Photo booths have been around for a while now and are still very popular with our wedding clients. But, have you ever considered having one at your office holiday party? Photo booths can break the ice and create great opportunities for employees to goof off together.
Earlier this year, we hosted an the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association networking event at Gateway Center. We had an interactive photo booth called StudioB! from Brower's Photography. StudioB! is a supercharged photo booth where they actually set up a "ministudio" at the event. We stocked the photo booth with funny props, such as silly wigs, glasses, fur coats, and goofy hats. Guests would pick out a prop (or not) and get 4 photos taken. Then, each picture would be projected up onto a big screen in the front of the room for all to see and enjoy. Guests then were given a 4" by 6" prints to take home.
- Competition!
There is nothing like a little competition to get people excited! This year, one of our clients (a hospital) who books an annual holidary party at Gateway Center decided to do something new and different to make the party more exciting. They decided to do a dance competition modeled off of the show Dancing With The Stars. Months ago, they paired doctors with staff and the couples started taking dance lessons. These couples will compete live at the event. How cool is that?! This event is still a few weeks away and the the event is already sold out. Everyone is excited to see the show.
Any sort of competition would make for a fun party..... dancing, singing, or maybe tree decorating competitions between departments?
- Let the Games Begin
Get the crowd involved by playing a game. Give gifts White Elephant style and draw names to have people decide whether they want a unwrapped gift or if they want to steal someone else's gift.
Most likely someone on staff has Guitar Hero or a Wii. Ask them if they would be willing to bring it in for the party to let others play.
Gateway Center worked with a party planning/rental company called 62 Sports when we had a western themed party. We rented their mechanical bull, and oh my, people loved it!! 62 Sports has so many fun things: inflatables, games, sumo wrestler outfits, gladiator casino games, carnival games, etc.
- Discover hidden musical talents
Does someone on staff play in a band that can play at the event? Does anyone play piano or guitar? Does anyone have a Karaoke machine? If you know someone that loves music, ask them to bring in an iPod that will provide music for the event.
Your holiday party is an opportunity to reward your employees with a festive break from their daily routine. So, inject some fun into your holiday party and allow everyone to enjoy themselves. After all, happy employees perform better at their jobs which produces happy clients!
